Sex And The Cycle

Your period might make you cranky, but did you know it could also help you have great sex? Madhura Sansare explores the connection between sex, sensitivity and menstruation

- Madhura Sansare

It is often said that just like the tides, women too are ruled by the moon. Now the scientific accuracy of this statement is debatable, but there is one natural phenomenon that does rule our lives. We’re talking about menstruation, of course. The menstrual cycle plays a large role in the day-to-day functioning of our lives. Even a woman’s sexual experiences are governed by the highs and lows of the cycle. For example, a sexual act that felt absolutely fantastic during the middle of your cycle might feel terrible towards its end. But before we puzzle out why this happens, let’s do a quick recap of Periods 101.

INSIDE YOUR MENSES

An average menstrual cycle spans 28 days, but the length may vary from woman to woman. “It is brought about by the interaction between the hormones in the body,” says Dr Kiran Coelho, HOD, OB/GYN, Lilavati Hospitail and Hinduja Healthcare, Mumbai. The cycle has four phases, namely menstrual, follicular, ovulation, and luteal. “Menstruation is the shedding of the uterine lining,” says Coelho. The level of estrogen in the body is low, and fatigue and menstrual cramps caused by uterine contractions are commonplace during this time. This is followed by the follicular phase. “The pituitary gland produces Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) that acts on the ovaries, which contains a number of eggs. Only one egg ripens out of millions as a result of FSH,” she adds.